Razão Brasileira

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1983

Genres

samba, pagode

Instruments

cavaquinho, acoustic guitar, vocals, pandeiro, percussion, drums, bass, keyboard

Biography

Razão Brasileira is a Brazilian musical group of samba, specifically from the pagode branch, formed in the neighborhood of Vila Kosmos, in Rio de Janeiro, in the year 1983. The ensemble emerged strongly on the national scene in the 1990s, standing out as one of the pioneers of the genre to achieve international projection and to win important awards, including gold and double platinum records in Brazil and South America. The original lineup featured musicians such as Paulinho Razão, Bira Razão, Bira Mendes, Gegê Nazaré, Jorge Batera, and Zé Carlos, taking the Carioca suburban sound to stages around the world, with tours through Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Throughout its trajectory, the group released remarkable albums that landed hits on the radio and consolidated its name in the history of pagode, such as the hits "Eu Menti", "Naturalmente", and "Telefone". The band also became notable for including unusual renditions in their repertoires, ranging from MPB and national rock classics — such as songs by Raul Seixas and Os Paralamas do Sucesso — to traditional samba by composers like Cartola. With changes in various line-ups over the years, Razão Brasileira celebrated its silver anniversary of career in 2007 with special guest appearances by exponents such as the group Fundo de Quintal and Peri Ribeiro.

The group's history, however, was also marked by moments of deep emotion, such as the passing of vocalist and founder Paulinho Razão in 2016, following health complications resulting from a cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite the losses of central figures over the decades, the band knew how to reinvent itself and remained active with renewed line-ups under the leadership of veterans like Bira Razão. The legacy of Razão Brasileira remains intrinsically linked to the commercial expansion of 90s romantic pagode and the internationalization of modern samba.

Discography

• Razão Brasileira (1993)
• O Segundo (1994)
• A Cara Do Brasil (1995)
• Entre o Amor e a Razão (1996)
• Avalanche (1997)
• Volta (1999)
• 25 Anos Ao Vivo - Sem Você Não Consigo Viver (2007)
• Ao Vivo 30 Anos (2013)